FG to unveil universal health coverage initiative

In its efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, the Federal Government is set to unveil the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, said this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

The PUNCH reports that UHC Day is commemorated on December 12 annually to celebrate the progress towards health for all and raise awareness on the need for strong and resilient health systems in achieving UHC.

The theme for this year’s UHC Day is: “Health for All: Time for Action.”

Pate said a strategy to actualise this initiative will be signed in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, by governments at all levels and development partners to commemorate the 2023 UHC Day.

He said, “The quest to achieve UHC and better health for all Nigerians requires a multi-sectoral and whole-of-government approach.

“Further to this, the government of Nigeria has articulated NHSRII to advance the nation’s journey towards UHC.”

He said the initiative aims to guide the renewal of Nigeria’s health system, part of the government’s broader health agenda.

He noted that the initiative directly confronts poor population health outcomes, intensified by highly inequitable access to health.

He said the initiative will leverage the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, in partnership with state governments and development partners in a transformational sector-wide approach programme to improve health outcomes.

This, he said, includes plans to train additional human resources for health and make available at least 17,000 functional primary healthcare centres.

“The commitment to expanding BHCPF and increasing the number of PHC aligns with the National Health Act’s objectives,” he said.

“The comprehensive strategy outlined involves assessing existing facilities, improving infrastructure, ensuring a sufficient health workforce, and actively engaging local communities for feedback.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina, said strengthening the PHC system is essential in building a sustainable healthcare system that can effectively respond to the needs of the population.

According to him, the successful implementation of the NHSRII can significantly contribute to achieving UHC in the country, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare services without suffering financial hardship.